The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-06-18
THE WISCONSIN CONVENTION.

DTlng SUCH SWelLerlng WeaJner. Inc
city has the reputation among those
who summer and winter in it, of being
the place of the hottest and coolest
weather. On the occasion of the Con-
vention, we may say that it amply full
filled tie first of these regulations, and
we take the other on testimony, and
fully believe ia the possibility of the
tive extremes.
The Convention was small in num-
bers, several things conspiring against
full representation from the parishes
In the first place, La Crosse is not fa-
vorably situated for convenient attend
ance from the scattered parishes of the
State. 1t is far away from the center
and long journey is required to reach
the city from any of our churches. In
the second place reduced fares on the
railroads were not secured, nor could
they be with any expectation of meet
ing the requirements of the railroads
for attendance. When the Secretary,
or other officials, can pledge an attend
ance of fifty or one hundred at our Con-
ventions, reduced fare can be easily
secured but when no pledges are made
in advance, the privilege is not conced-
ed. These two facts prevented even
the usual attendance of our Wisconsin
Universalists at La Crosse.
The Convention, Notwithstanding it
lacked the enthusiasm of numbers, was
a profitable and encouraging meeting.
In many important respects it more
than fulfilled expectation. 1t was har-
monious and spirited from the begin
ming, and in earnestness and ability
was fully the equal, if it did not sur
pass the Conventions of '85 and 'S6.
The reports of the Executive Board,
and the Woman's Association, reveal
successful years work. The pledges
made to the Oshkosh mission have been
redeemed, the State has fulfilled its
special missionary duty, and by its con-
tributions, has kept pastor at that
important city during the year. 1t is
also pledged to the same work for the
year to come. The Wisconsin Conven-
ton is not in financial condition to
keep State Superintendent in the
field; it, therefore, wisely concentrates
its effort on the Oshkosh mission, and
calls upon the people to help build up
a parish in one of its large cities. The
General Convention aids in this work,
and with the cooperation of the State
Convention, this important mission will
be reinforced until it is made self-sus-
tanning.
The several sermons, papers, and
addresses, before the Convention were
of a high order of excellence, and amply
worthy of the occasion. The most
spirited discussions arose over the
method of securing the parish contribu-
tions for the coming year, and the I'm
ternational Lessons" On the latter
topic, Rev. Edgar Leavitt read val
liable paper which we shall shortly pre-
sent to the readers Of THE UNIvER-
sALIsT. The Convention was evidently
opposed to maintaining the Interna-
tional system, but it took no action,
and simply discussed the subject with
out much reference to the special POINTS
of the paper, which presented in COM
prehensiye and able manner, the reasons
why the International system should
not be discontinued. The financial pol
icy of the coming year was agreed upon
with considerable unanimity. 1t is to
ask the parishes of the State for con-
tribution equal to two per cent of the
amount paid as the PASTORS salary,
This was deemed the most convenient
and equitable way to provide for the
State work.
Socially the Convention was very
pleasant. The visitors were entertained
in elegant homes, and made welcome in
the exercise of most gracious hospi-
tally. Thursday evening, reception
was given to the Convention and its
visitors, at the residence of Mr.. Levi
Whitney, where nearly one hundred per-
sons assembled, and were entertained
by the family and the La Crosse parish.
Refreshments and music, and a delight
full interchange of social greetings, were
the features of the pleasant occasion.
We do not know how it was with all
the guests of the Convention, but one
who was entertained at the home of
Mr.. and Mrs. E. A. Tenney, was equally
fortunate in another direction, in hav-
ing a chance to view the city and sub
urbs behind a magnificent span of black
horses, which are the pride of their
hospitable owner, who was indefatiga-
BILE in showing all the most interest
ing points in the city. La Crosse is
beautifully nestled on the banks of the
Mississippi and two other rivers, Black
and La Crosse, in the valley between
that and the bluffs, which rise alb
ruptly at the back of the town, and
render the situation very picturesque.
Nearly all the streets are lined with
grand, towering trees, which form
orataPuI ahada RI tho nadastriaOs IN the